Long-distance hiking trail Nibelungengau 5: Leiben - Emmersdorf (feeder to/from Wachau World Heritage Trail)

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 11,14 km
Duration: 3:00 h
Ascent: 232 m elevation gain
Descent: 294 m elevation gain

From Europaschloss Leiben high on the rock back and over the Danube to Pöchlarn. The city praised in the Nibelungenlied reveals an exciting cultural history.

Starting point of the tour: Leiben, Europaschloss
Tour destination: Emmersdorf, main square

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 11,14 km
Duration: 3:00 h
Ascent: 232 m elevation gain
Descent: 294 m elevation gain

Fitness level required:
3/6
Overall experience:
5/6
Scenery:
4/6

Lowest point207 m
Highest point363 m

Stage tour
Nice views
With refreshment stops

Downloads

Description

The stage starts at Europaschloss Leiben and goes through Weinzierl over the "Henzing". Then along the road to Urfahr where the federal road is crossed. Then it follows the Danube cycle path towards the Melk Danube power station. Here the long-distance hiking trail Nibelungengau and the Wachau World Heritage Trail meet. It continues past Luberegg Castle to Rantenberg and Emmersdorf.

Equipment Hiking boots, backpack, hiking map and/or mobile route planner, weatherproof clothing (e.g. rain protection), headgear, sun protection, first aid kit, possible flashlight, sufficient provisions (water, snacks) A comprehensive equipment list can be found here.
Route description The stage starts at Europaschloss Leiben. The castle, about 800 years old, towers on a mighty, steep rock and impressively marks the transition from the south of the rugged Waldviertel to the picturesque Danube valley. It goes slightly uphill through Weinzierl over the "Henzing" and continues along the road down to Urfahr, where the federal road is crossed. In Urfahr, the route then follows the Danube cycle path towards the Melk Danube power station. Here the long-distance hiking trail Nibelungengau and the Wachau World Heritage Trail meet. It continues past Luberegg Castle to Rantenberg. From here the stage leads downhill to Emmersdorf. The Melk Danube power station connects the north and south banks of the Danube and you can enjoy a direct view of Melk Abbey. It is also possible to cross the Danube towards Melk following the Wachau World Heritage Trail.
Parking Parking is possible at Europaschloss Leiben or in the town of Emmersdorf.
Getting there Leiben is accessible via the A1 West motorway, Pöchlarn exit. Take the 1st exit at the roundabout at the exit, after about 1 km turn left towards the Danube bridge. Cross the bridge, then keep right on Wachauerstraße (B3) to Ebersdorf. Turn left in the village to Leiben.Coming from Krems or Grein via Wachauerstraße (B3) to Ebersdorf and turn off in the village to Leiben.
Public transport Travel by ÖBB to Melk train station - timetable query. From the station you can reach Leiben by postbus - timetable information.We recommend traveling by car as public transport does not cover a seamless connection.
Editor’s tip Enjoy the wonderful views of the Danube valley at Leiben and the atmosphere directly on the Danube. From the Melk Danube power station you also have a direct view of Melk Abbey. In Emmersdorf or Melk you have the opportunity to take a boat trip to the Wachau. The long-distance hiking trail Nibelungengau is signposted and walkable in both directions.Event highlight in Nibelungengau: Combine your hiking holiday with the summer solstice celebration "Fire Magic in Nibelungengau" in June. Celebrate on the Danube bank in one of the Nibelungengau communities or on board a ship.

Recommended period

Current weather in Leiben

5° to 7°

Today, 11.02.2026

Light rain shower

Wind speed1,8 km/h

4° to 9°

Tomorrow, 12.02.2026

Light rain shower

Wind speed1,5 km/h

For easy and convenient planning of routes, the Wachau-Nibelungengau-Kremstal app is recommended. Simply download for Android or iPhone.

Excursion tips along the route:
Europaschloss Leiben, Wachau Donkey Adventure, Melk Abbey

Dining options along the route:
Leiben, Emmersdorf or Melk

More sights in Nibelungengau:
Visitor power station Ybbs-Persenbeug, Peace Museum Erlauf, Oskar Kokoschka Centre Pöchlarn, Artstetten Castle, Basilica Maria Taferl

Event tips:
Numerous sporting activities take place in and around Leiben, such as the Dirtrun woidwetza. All events and happenings of the Nibelungengau region and surroundings can be found here.

All available advertising materialsfor Nibelungengau can be found here or browse the Nibelungengau travel guide online.